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Anything for love. by Johan SH Van Niekerk
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Rated "PG" by the Author.
Paul is desperate to save his wife, Lidia.(Edited) My very first attempt at fiction, so please take the time to comment.
ANYTHING FOR LOVE.
God no. Not this. After all they had accomplished, for it to end like this. No, this is not going to happen, I won’t let it, he promised. Terminal cancer, they said, three months at the most, they said. Well, every ending is the start of something new. Lidia, so close to death these last two months inspired him. It awoke in him a passion, a desire to overcome the inevitable end. His intense search finally led him to a man who promised a way out. “How?” he had asked. “Some things are best left to those who are familiar with them” the priest had responded. “How much?” was the logical next question. “Such things are not thought of in terms of money, but know that the price is steep” was the equally cryptic reply. Paul left it at that, not wanting too much detail. The hope within his heart quickly dispelled the vague sense of unease, and he agreed to the procedure. After receiving instructions from the old man, he left for the hospital. He noticed that it had gotten dark, and that a slight drizzle was turning the roads slick.
On his way there, his phone rang. It was the hospital. Get here as soon as you can, he was told, if you want to be with her at the end. Speeding dangerously in the wet weather, he made the trip in record time. As he entered the hospital lobby, he heard sirens approaching, and saw doctors and nurses running. The intercom urged all available personnel to ER, as there had been a massive traffic collision with multiple casualties. Ignoring the elevator, he rushed up the stairs, taking them two at a time. However, as he entered her room, he realized that he had not been quick enough. Lidia appeared to be sleeping, but the tell-tale line on the heart monitor was flat. “Too late”, he sobbed, but remembering the old man`s instructions, he reached out and took her hand. Still warm! Yes! He still had time. If he could get her to the old man`s place before she turned cold, there was hope! The cancer had devoured her, leaving her body little more than a skeleton. It was easy enough for him to swaddle her in the bed linen to save as much of her dissipating body heat as he could. Picking her up, he peered cautiously around the doorway. No one in sight. “This is almost too good to be true , but I`ll take it”, he thought. Remembering the fire escape at the rear of the building, he rushed down the deserted hallway. “Careful Paul” he chided himself. “You don`t want to drop her” Reaching the bottom of the staircase, he gently put her down, and looked around the corner. Ambulances were all over the place, victims of the collision being wheeled into the ER. Great! No one will spare a second glance at someone moving a vehicle around the building. Sprinting to his car, he fumbled for the keys, and got in. Forcing himself to move at a snail`s pace lest he attract unwanted attention, he drove around to the fire escape. Gently, he picked Lidia up, and placed her on the front seat, securing her with the safety belt. Once inside the car, he turned on the heater, and turned it all the way up. “This should keep you nice and warm my love.” Once again braving the rain slicked roads, he drove as fast as he safely could, arriving at the run down home of the old man only a short time later.
Leaving the engine and the heater running, Paul ran up the steps and banged on the front door. As if the old man was waiting, the door swung open. “Don`t just stand there, bring her in”, he urged Paul, anxiously looking around for anyone who might be curious as to these strange events. As he brought her in, Paul followed the old man through the house, and into an room that resembled a doctor`s surgery. At a command from the old man, he laid her down on the bed in the middle of the room, and removed the blankets around her. “She is barely warm enough” grunted the old man “but still, under the circumstances, you have done well.” “Now outside with you, and don`t come in until I call you”, ordered the old man. Paul reluctantly obeyed, and the old man closed the door behind him. All he could hear was the occasional clinking of surgical tools and the old man`s voice. He could, however, not make out what the old man was saying.
Paul found that he could not sit still, and it felt like he had been pacing around before the door for hours, when it suddenly opened. “You can come in now”, the old man said, “But be warned, she is very weak.” “So it worked” Paul almost shouted. “Yes, but she is likely to be confused and disoriented for a few minutes. Go to her now, it will calm her to see a familiar face.” Paul moved over to the bed, where Lidia was unsuccessfully trying to rise. A series of low moans escaped from her lips as he put his arms around her. She slowly turned around, and put her face to his chest. Joy flooded him. “Oh my darling, it worked, it really did. I love you so much. Nothing will ever separate us again.” His elation turned to horror, and then pain, as she sank her teeth into his neck, tearing out a chunk of flesh. Fresh arterial blood gushed from the jagged wound. Try as he might he could not shake her. The last thing Paul saw, before his head was torn from his shoulders, was her vacant eyes and grey, blood spattered face. In the corner, the voodoo priest smiled as he waited for his zombie to finish its feast..........
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Reviewed by Anne-Marie Van der Nest
3/2/2025
our story masterfully grips the reader right from the start, weaving a tale of desperation, hope, and ultimate horror. The protagonist's emotional journey is vividly portrayed, creating a palpable sense of urgency and tension. The suspense builds steadily, with the night-time hospital setting adding to the eerie atmosphere.
The inclusion of the cryptic old man introduces an element of mysticism and intrigue, drawing readers deeper into the narrative. The vivid descriptions, such as Lidia's frail condition and the wet, slick roads, paint a clear picture and enhance the immersive experience.
The climax is truly shocking and unexpected, turning the reader's relief into sheer horror. The twist of Lidia becoming a zombie is both chilling and heart-wrenching, and the final image of Paul’s tragic end leaves a lasting impact. The voodoo priest's smile adds a sinister touch, perfectly rounding off the horror element of the story.
Overall, your story excels in creating an emotional rollercoaster, blending hope and horror seamlessly. Your descriptive writing and ability to maintain suspense throughout make it a compelling read. Well done!
First of all, welcome to AD, I am sure you will find many new friends here. So enjoyed reading your short story, especially the unique twist at the end...wow! Once again, welcome...you are now among writing friends, Johan
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